I took this picture on the North Carolina side of the park late one evening. I was fishing the Oconaluftee river right outside the park headquarters late one evening when I heard something behind me. I turned to see this big fellow and three females. I was kinda of shocked at first, but then just stood there and admired him. I would assume this herd has migrated over the mountain from Cataloochee.

I would love to spot one of these animals sometime soon. I guess I'm gonna have to get over to the nc side for that though. Anyone know how well the reintroduction of the elk is going? Does it look like something their gonna keep doing, or is it just going to fade away because of unsuccessful reproduction?